ST. PAUL, Minn. — Democratic strategists say the party has a strong bench to run for governor if Tim Walz decides not to go for a third term. They point to the fact that Democrats hold every statewide elected office:
> Peggy Flanahgan, lieutenant governor, although she is running now for the U.S Senate.
> Keith Ellison, attorney general and former member of Congress.
> Steve Simon, secretary state since 2014.
> Julie Blaha, state auditor since 2018.
Half of the state delegation in the U.S. House are Democrats: Angie Craig, although she now is running for the U.S. Senate; Betty McCollum; Kelly Morrison; and Ilhan Omar. Other Democratic possibilities on many short lists: U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar, state Senate majority leader Erin Murphy, and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. Among announced Republicans: Former state senator Scott Jensen, who lost to Walz in 2022.
Earlier: Walz ponders post-governorship life